The original version of RHINESTONE COWBOY, found in my ‘Black & Blue Suite’ album (’74), was heard on the radio by Glen Campbell, who literally pulled to the side of the road when he heard it, and decided to sing it. While Glen began his album with Lambert & Potter, and recorded the song, an opportunity arose for him to sing on an L.A. telethon. Paul Drew, then the most powerful man in radio, watched Glen sing ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, and inquired from his record company, if he had recorded it. Learning he had, Drew secured an advance copy, a reference-dub, and put it directly on the air. Glen’s record company scrambled to complete his album, and the rest became history. I am indeed a very fortunate man, because if that song wasn’t a hit, I’m pretty sure I would have left the music business.
Some videos of Rhinestone Cowboy:
Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” in concert: